Allergy Season in Washington: Everything You Need to Know (2024)
Washington is known for its mild temperatures and beautiful nature. But because of its vast nature, Washington state has an abundance of pollen during allergy season. It has some of the highest pollen counts in the nation. This can make it difficult for those in Washington to know how to effectively manage their allergy symptoms.
Wyndly is a great resource for allergy sufferers. Our allergy doctors will create a personalized treatment plan to help provide you with long-term relief from your allergies. Schedule a consultation today to get a personalized treatment plan, or read on to learn more about Washington’s seasonal allergies.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies typically refer to allergies that are triggered by pollen. Pollen is only released by plants during certain times of the year, because of this, these allergies aren’t year-round. The primary producers of pollen in Washington are grasses, trees, and weeds.
When Is Allergy Season in Washington?
Depending on what you are allergic to, you can experience allergy symptoms during any time of year in Washington. Pollen allergies will flare up in the spring, summer, and fall, while indoor allergies can cause allergic reactions at any point in the year.
Washington is in the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain & High Desert allergy regions. Each region has slightly different allergens and allergy seasons, so we’ve compiled the region-specific information for allergy season in Washington.
When Is Washington Pollen Season?
In Washington, tree pollen is the main allergen in the spring. Grass pollen is mainly produced during the summer months. The fall is when weeds produce pollen, so these allergies will be worse in late summer and up until the end of allergy season.
When Does Allergy Season Start?
Washington allergy season starts in the spring. Winters can be mild and wet in Washington, so seasonal allergies will commonly begin in February. Compared to other states, this is still an average allergy season length. But Washington still has a fairly bad allergy season because of its plant life.
What Months Are Washington Allergy Season?
In Washington, you’ll want to keep an eye on pollen counts in April, May, and September. These months are when seasonal allergies are typically at their peak. During these months, try limiting your time outdoors or going out in the evening when pollen counts tend to be lower in Washington.
If you have seasonal allergies and are traveling to Washington during April, May, or September, make sure you have an allergy treatment plan that works for you before your trip. During your trip, check the local pollen count daily to adjust your plans accordingly.
When Does Allergy Season End?
Winters can get cold, but they can also be mild and rainy. Those in Washington tend to get a short break from their seasonal allergies. Even though Washington may not have as many outdoor allergens to worry about during the winter, indoor allergens can still cause issues for many allergy sufferers.
If you suffer from indoor allergies, such as allergies to dust, pet dander, or mold, you might notice that they worsen during the winter if you spend more time inside than usual.
Common Allergens
While this is not a comprehensive list, some of the most common allergens in Washington include:
- Ryegrass
- Bermuda grass
- Orchard grass
- Redtop grass
- Johnson grass
- Ragweed
- Russian thistle
- Pigweed
- Juniper trees
- Alder trees
- Willow trees
- Oak trees
- Birch trees
Read more about allergies in Washington.
What Are Seasonal Allergy Symptoms?
The allergy symptoms you will experience in Washington will vary based on the severity of your allergies and the time of year you are in Washington.
Symptoms you might experience in Washington include:
- Stuffy nose
- Itchy nose, mouth, or ears
- Congestion
- Headaches
- Sneezing
- Post-nasal drip
- Rash or hives
- Aggravated asthma symptoms
How to Prepare for Seasonal Allergies in Washington?
If you think you are suffering from seasonal allergies, take an allergy test to identify what allergens are triggering your symptoms. The easiest way to get an allergy test in Washington is by ordering Wyndly’s at-home allergy test. Get your allergy test today to identify your allergies!
By understanding what allergies are causing your symptoms, it will be easier for you to avoid your triggers and find effective treatments.
Who Are Washington Allergy Doctors?
In Washington, there are several different types of providers you can go to for your allergies. The most common types of allergy doctors are allergists or immunologists, and ENTs. When choosing an allergy doctor, the most important thing is choosing a provider you trust.
It is also important to work with a doctor who will consider both your test results and your allergy history to make sure they make sense together. You should also consider how long you will need to wait to be seen by them and how convenient it is for your schedule.
At Wyndly, our allergy doctors will work with you to get you long-term relief from your symptoms. Our doctors will create a personalized treatment plan for you based on your allergy test results and your allergy history.
Allergy Symptom Relief and Treatment
Allergies can feel difficult to manage, but there are several different methods you can try out to decrease or eliminate your allergy symptoms.
Limit Exposure
An effective method of decreasing your symptoms is limiting your exposure to the allergens that are triggering your allergies. While pollen can be difficult to avoid, there are ways that you can decrease your exposure to pollen in Washington.
- Check daily pollen count: Keep an eye on pollen levels to see how high they are in Washington for the day. If it’s a high pollen count, try limiting your time outside that day. Pollen tends to be at its highest in the morning and afternoon in Washington. Evening hours will be the best time to go outside during the Washington allergy season.
- Stay on top of yard work: By keeping tree branches trimmed, grass short, and your lawn free of weeds, you can reduce the pollen that will be released directly around your home in Washington.
- Wear a mask while outdoors: Wearing a dust mask when you go outside in Washington can help prevent pollen from getting in your airways.
- Clean your home regularly: Pollen is a very sticky substance, meaning it’ll get in your home and on you and your clothes. Be sure to clean your house and do laundry frequently. Also, make sure to shower after being outdoors to wash off any pollen.
- Keep windows closed: Opening your windows will allow for more pollen to get into your home. If you can, keep your windows closed and run your A/C instead for the duration of the allergy season in Washington.
- Install a HEPA filter: Installing a HEPA filter on your A/C can help reduce the pollen levels circulating in your home.
Medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are widely available in Washington, and they provide short-term relief from your allergy symptoms. If you find that antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops don’t provide enough relief from your seasonal allergies, you can look into allergy treatments that will provide long-term relief instead of just masking your symptoms.
Sublingual Immunotherapy
If you want lifelong relief from your seasonal allergies in Washington, sublingual immunotherapy is the best solution. Sublingual immunotherapy involves exposing your immune system to small doses of the allergens that trigger your allergies. Through this exposure, your body becomes desensitized to your allergies, providing long-term relief. Sublingual immunotherapy is just as effective as allergy shots, but it can also be taken from the comfort of your home.
Getting sublingual immunotherapy in Washington is easy and convenient. You can get it shipped right to your home!
The Best Allergist in Washington for Seasonal Allergies
If you are looking for the best doctor to treat your seasonal allergies in Washington, look no further than Wyndly. At Wyndly, our allergy doctors will create a personalized treatment plan for your allergies to get you long-term allergy relief from your Washington seasonal allergies.
Take our easy online assessment now to see if our doctors can get you long-term allergy relief from your seasonal allergies in Washington!